Bubble tea, also known as “boba”, has become increasingly popular since 1980 when it was first produced in Taiwan. I’m sure you’ve had bubble tea or have at least heard of it, but if not, here is a quick description: Bubble tea is a traditional sweet tea with milk and tapioca pearls, however, there are 250 other unique flavours to choose from. In the past five years, the bubble tea trend has exploded in Geneva with over 10 shops around the city! I visited four of the most popular bubble tea shops in Geneva - Kony Bubble Tea, Lemoncha, Just Bubble and Bubble Brothers. I rated them on taste (out of five) as well as including directions to there location from school and the price of the teas.
Lemoncha
Rue des Etuves 15, 1201 Genève
(18 minutes on the 5 bus getting on at the Crets-Morillon stop getting off at the Coutance stop, total walk time of 10 minutes)
The first bubble tea shop I tried was Lemoncha. This little shop near Manor has a really nice aesthetic, however, the drinks were a little bit disappointing. Both drinks that I ordered weren’t sweet enough, giving them a strange bitter taste.
Drinks ordered (right to left)
Green apple fruit tea with tapioca
Price: 6.50 CHF
Taste rating: ⭐️⭐️
Lychee fruit tea with tapioca
Price: 6.50 CHF
Taste rating: ⭐️⭐️
Kony Bubble Tea
Rue Rousseau 27, 1021 Genève
(18 minutes on the 5 bus getting on at the Crets-Morillon stop getting off at the Coutance stop, total walk time of 6 minutes)
Not even 5 minutes away from Lemoncha is another bubble tea shop called Kony. With a wide variety of drink choices, Kony exceeded my expectations with their delicious drinks. Both drinks were packed with flavor and refreshingly cold.
Drinks ordered (right to left)
Lychee tea with lychee popping boba and lychee jelly
Price: 6.50 CHF
Taste rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Green apple tea with tapioca and lychee jelly
Price: 5.50 CHF
Taste rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just Bubble
Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve 46, 1205 Genève
(32 minutes on the 5 bus getting on at the Crets Morrillon stop and getting off at the Place de Neuve stop, total walk time 16 minutes)
Next, I went to Just Bubble. Although the bubble tea was surprisingly good, the 50 minute travel time from school makes it unlikely that anyone from Nations will go. Both drinks were delicious however the time it takes to get there isn’t worth the drink.
Drinks ordered (right to left)
Passion fruit tea with tapioca
Price: 6.50 CHF
Taste rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lychee tea with lychee popping boba
Price: 6.50 CHF
Taste rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bubble Brothers
Rue du Conseil-Général 20, 1205 Genève
(24 minutes on the 5 bus getting on at the Crets-Morrillon stop and getting off at the Place de Neuve stop, with a total walk time of 8 minutes)
Lastly, I went to Bubble Brothers, even if it was not as far away as Just Bubble, the tea was very disappointing. Both of the drinks that I ordered tasted extremely artificial and bitter leaving me dissatisfied with my purchase.
Drinks ordered (right to left)
Kumquat lemon tea with tapioca
Price: 6.00 CHF
Taste rating: ⭐️
Lychee tea with lychee popping boba
Price: 6.00 CHF
Taste rating: ⭐️
Overall, Kony Bubble Tea is the top-ranked bubble tea shop. With great flavour, competitive price and a relatively convenient location, it’s great for students looking for an after school treat!